2014 Updates For The 1200F?

I was checking the latest MCN and it seems that the 2014 Crosstourer has self cancelling blinkers, a new seat, a new ignition key (grooved like latest car keys), performance updates for the DCT and most importantly something called selectable torque control system where the rider is able to select three different levels of engine torque control. I guess that means power modes, right? Do you think the 2014 1200F will benefit from these updates?

I'd be surprised if Honda doesn't furlough VFR1200 for one year. Dealers still have 2012 blue ones unsold, not to mention 2013 black ones. They need to chit or get off the pot. Either revamp it to be marketable and competitive, or kill it out of its current misery.

Kawasaki fixed a bunch customer complaints on the C14 after 2 model years. Same thing on the Ninja 1000 after 3yrs. How hard is it for Honda to do the same?

maybe we can get one for like $5000 at that point  :goofy:

honduh is losing their footing in the sport touring scene

Kawasaki fixed a bunch customer complaints on the C14 after 2 model years. Same thing on the Ninja 1000 after 3yrs. How hard is it for Honda to do the same?

I don't see that there is so many things to be fixed and I still think that it is the best bike on the market as far as I am concerned. Maybe it is just the general thing; all the bikes are not selling right now. Honda changed quite a lot of things in 2012. No major but anyhow.

I find it a little sad that all the produces have their eye only on bmw gs -type bikes (MVAgusta has their version now also).

But I agree; it would be a nice thing to see a new version of a otherwise good bike.

I'm starting to like my bike more and more after a rocky start (the ECU died after the update and was replaced under warranty). The thing is that the 1200 isn't an easy bike to get along with. Like it or not, the big adventure bikes are its competition. These bikes are more comfortable, have more features and some are almost as powerful. Unless Honda does something to create interest in this bike, it will be discontinued. 

Even the 1200F owners aren't thrilled about the (possible) updates, look how few commented on this topic. The 8th generation VFR800 on the other hand, created a posting frenzy that doesn't seem like it's going to slow down after a week.

What do you guys think Honda should do, to create more interest in the 1200F and turn its fortunes around? Dropping 50 pounds weight would be a great place to start but not realistic, so what can it do in the current platform?

I think it could really use the new engine power modes backed up with a multilevel TC. I also believe that it should have the adjustable seat and standard grip heaters and higher&wider clip-ons as standard (this is too heavy a bike to have such a sporty lean IMHO). Tricker suspension allowing on the fly adjustments (like BMW ESA or better yet semi-active suspension) should at least be an option. The new Bosch ABS system allowing usage of brakes during corners would be nice as well. Perhaps a visual update to make it look sleeker from the front, as this part of the design seems to be criticized the most. I personally think that the 1200F is beautifully ugly  :cool: ...

I know it's not going to happen, it's very likely that Honda will kill the 1200 in a few years but you never know.

I know it's not going to happen, it's very likely that Honda will kill the 1200 in a few years but you never know.

I don't believe that. They are using the same engine in other bikes so it makes no sense to drop the vfr.

The upgrade should be like it normally is; more power, several power maps, better electronics, different looks and less weight,

It should at least have a better mapping in the very low end. I hope they don't loose the several layer screen as it is very good with almost zero turbulense. It is not the best looking but works great .

You  know  what's  even  more  humiliating  Honda  will  cut  the  price  on  the 7th gens  and  the 8th  gens  will  be  priced  higher  and    sale  more  units. 

Much of the criticisms about the VFR1200 falls into 2 camps:

1. Not being touring-oriented enough.  These are the riders who really should be looking at the ST1300 but aren't, because that old girl desperately needs an update.  Instead, they look to the VFR1200F to compete with C14, FJR, etc.  That kind of riding is not the VFR1200's forte, and folks will continue to be disappointed.  Honda could either use the ST1300's V4, or something along the lines of the VFR1200T that was long rumored but never materialized.

2. Too heavy.  These are riders that wants an open class sportbike, along the lines of the venerable Blackbird, ZX14R and Busa.  I, myself, loosely fall in this category (though not exactly, as I do like to tour some).  This problem can only be fixed if Honda has another worthy ST to do touring duty.  Then they can re-optimize the "F" for more performance-oriented riding.

I am guessing Honda is re-introducing the 2014 VFR800 to take care of Problem #2 above.  To be followed by the VFR1200T soon after to address Problem #1.

I'm starting to like my bike more and more after a rocky start (the ECU died after the update and was replaced under warranty). The thing is that the 1200 isn't an easy bike to get along with. Like it or not, the big adventure bikes are its competition. These bikes are more comfortable, have more features and some are almost as powerful. Unless Honda does something to create interest in this bike, it will be discontinued. 

I think it could really use the new engine power modes backed up with a multilevel TC. I also believe that it should have the adjustable seat and standard grip heaters and higher&wider clip-ons as standard (this is too heavy a bike to have such a sporty lean IMHO). Tricker suspension allowing on the fly adjustments (like BMW ESA or better yet semi-active suspension) should at least be an option. The new Bosch ABS system allowing usage of brakes during corners would be nice as well. Perhaps a visual update to make it look sleeker from the front, as this part of the design seems to be criticized the most. I personally think that the 1200F is beautifully ugly  :cool: ...

I beg to differ sir.

It's an extremely easy bike to get along with.

The adventure bikes aren't its' competition, sport tourers are.  Perhaps you should say that adventure bikes are YOUR competition.  With the way the 1200 handles, and the HP/TQ, I'd leave an adventure bike for dead on twisty roads.  A few corners and a straight, see ya.

I have multi power modes on my R1, it's not that big of a deal at all.  Nothing my right wrist can't do.  TC, again, is overrated IMO. 

My 1200 has the OEM heated grips so Honda does offer that as an accessory.  Heli-bars work great, higher and wider.

Electronic suspension or sem-active would just make the thing even more expensive, and from what the guys who own the Pan S, say, it's gimmicky.

If you are a bike-market-maven reading the fine print of every new bike, every year, you are always going to be disappointed.  You are either going to have to upgrade every single year or be content.

I'd prefer no ABS and no linked brakes too.  The beauty of a motorcycle, as far as engineering, is in the chassis and the power delivery. 

Well  thought  out ..    Sounds  good  to  me,  I  just  hope  daddy  Honda  reading  this  ..